Book tells the story of a young Vietnamese-American boy and his father as they go fishing early in the morning. The father shares stories about their family's past in Vietnam, giving insight into their immigrant experience. The story highlights themes of resilience, sacrifice, and the strength of family bonds. Through sparse yet poetic text, the book captures the depth of emotions between father and son. The illustrations add layers of meaning, portraying both the struggles and love within the family. This heartfelt story offers a powerful perspective on the immigrant experience and the ways traditions help maintain cultural connections.

As a group, we selected A Different Pond because it is a good resource for multilingual learners as it explores the immigrant experience in an accessible and meaningful way. Many students from immigrant backgrounds will see their own families reflected in the father and son’s relationship. 

The story emphasizes perseverance, family ties, and the importance of cultural traditions, themes that resonate deeply with students from diverse backgrounds. The bilingual elements and cultural references make it a valuable tool for language learning and identity affirmation. 

Through its tender narrative, the book fosters discussions about personal heritage and intergenerational storytelling. Including this book in the classroom encourages students to appreciate their family’s journey while learning to empathize with others’ experiences.